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U.S. soccer roster for Argentina and Paraguay matches has a few surprises

March 16, 2011 | 6:38
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With games scheduled next week and the week after against Argentina and Paraguay, Bob Bradley, coach of the U.S. national soccer team, followed the expected route on Wednesday and named a predominantly foreign-based roster of 24 players.

That is not to say that Bradley didn't spring a surprise or three, however.

They are defender Timothy Chandler and goalkeeper David Yelldell, who play in Germany for FC Nurnberg and MSV Duisburg, respectively. Also called up was defender Zak Whitbread, who plays for Norwich City in England.

The roster includes only four Major League Soccer players: forward-midfielder Landon Donovan of the Galaxy, defender Jay DeMerit of the Vancouver Whitecaps and forward Juan Agudelo and defender Tim Ream, both of the New York Red Bulls.

Sixteen of the 24 players were on the 2010 U.S. World Cup roster in South Africa.

The U.S. will begin training on Sunday in Cary, N.C. even though not every player will be available by then. The Galaxy, for instance, plays its MLS home opener against New England on Sunday.

"This is an important opportunity to get our core group together along with some relatively newer faces as we consider the roster decisions for the Gold Cup this summer," Bradley said.

The U.S. plays Canada, Panama and Guadeloupe in the first round of the June 5-25 Gold Cup, which ends with the championship final at the Rose Bowl.